Youth Hunt Planned for Columbus Day Weekend

A three-day youth deer hunt over the Columbus Day weekend is still part of the New York DEC’s five-year deer management plan.

Comments on the youth hunt and other proposals (including an Oct. 1 Southern Zone archery deer opener, new dates for the Northern Zone’s firearms and muzzleloader seasons, and expanded antler restrictions in some areas) will be accepted through May 21.

The plan has already been presented to hunters, many who weighed in during previous public comment periods and at statewide meetings.

During those meetings, the youth hunt was the most controversial proposal. Some archery hunters worried the three-day firearms season for 14- and 15-year-olds would disrupt deer movement. The DEC found enough support for the plan, however, to keep the youth hunt proposal intact.